IPL Thriller: Kohli’s 100th Fifty, Karn’s Spin Magic Power RCB and Mumbai to Big Wins
The IPL 2025 Sunday double-header delivered electrifying cricket as Virat Kohli achieved a historic milestone and Mumbai Indians pulled off a stunning comeback.
Match 1: Kohli’s Century of Fifties Powers RCB to Dominant Victory
In the first clash of the day, Virat Kohli reached his 100th T20 half-century, scoring a classic 62 to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a 9-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.
Kohli’s knock came after Phil Salt’s explosive 65 off 33 balls, as the openers laid a strong 92-run foundation in pursuit of Rajasthan’s 173/4.
“Always pleased to contribute to a win, especially on the road,” said Salt, awarded Player of the Match.
Kohli, now with 66 IPL fifties, equaled David Warner’s record in the tournament. Overall, he trails only Warner (108) in T20 cricket, with Pakistan’s Babar Azam at third with 90.
Kohli’s unbeaten partnership with Devdutt Padikkal (40)* sealed the win with 15 balls remaining, marking RCB’s fourth win in six matches.
Rajasthan Royals’ Struggle
Despite a solid 75 by Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rajasthan’s total wasn’t enough. They now suffer their fourth defeat in six matches, slipping further down the points table.
Match 2: Mumbai Indians Snap Delhi’s Streak in a Thriller
Mumbai Indians staged a brilliant turnaround to defeat Delhi Capitals by 12 runs in a tense finish at the Feroz Shah Kotla.
After posting 205/5, thanks to Tilak Varma’s 59 and Naman Dhir’s unbeaten 38, Mumbai looked under pressure as Karun Nair smashed 89 off 40 to lead Delhi’s chase.
But Karn Sharma, introduced as an impact player, changed the game with 3 for 36, sparking a middle-order collapse that saw Delhi bowled out for 193.
“Fielding can change the game upside down,” said MI skipper Hardik Pandya, highlighting three crucial run-outs in the 19th over.
Karun Nair’s Return in Vain
Back in IPL after three years, Nair delivered a heroic knock but found little support once Abhishek Porel (33) departed.
Nair’s 119-run partnership with Porel had Delhi cruising at 135/2, but Mumbai’s spin duo of Karn Sharma and Mitchell Santner turned the tide.
Karn’s spell included dismissing Tristan Stubbs, KL Rahul, and Porel — while Santner bowled Nair to end Delhi’s hopes.
Points Impact
-
RCB move into the top four with 8 points from 6 games.
-
Mumbai secure just their second win in 6 matches, gaining much-needed momentum.
-
Delhi suffer their first defeat after four consecutive wins.
What’s Next?
With Kohli in sublime touch and Mumbai showing renewed fire, the race for the IPL 2025 playoffs is heating up. As both teams gear up for tougher challenges ahead, fans can expect more fireworks in the days to come.
